Martin Johnson has refused to confirm who will captain England at next month's World Cup, making clear Lewis Moody still has to earn his place in the squad on merit. Moody will lead the team against Wales but has played only four games of rugby for Bath during an injury-hit 2011.

Asked if Moody would definitely be his World Cup captain, Johnson said no decision would be made until the 30-man squad is announced on 22 August. "We'll see," said Johnson. "We'll go into this game and see where we are. I've always said guys have got to get their place in the team. If any player is not playing as well as another guy then is that other guy going to play? Yes, probably. When we name the squad we will name a captain."

Competition for places in the back row is intense with Tom Wood, James Haskell, Hendre Fourie, Tom Croft and Chris Robshaw all vying for flanker roles, putting the onus on Moody to perform well at a sold-out Twickenham. It would be a surprise if Johnson did look elsewhere but Mike Tindall was in charge for all four of England's Six Nations wins earlier this year before their final defeat against Ireland.

"Everyone is judged on merit and one of Lewis's merits is his leadership," said Johnson. "You need that quality in the team and I think we missed him and Mike in the final Six Nations game in Dublin." Moody, 33, shared a dressing-room with Johnson at Leicester for years and is one of the few members of England's 2003 World Cup winning squad still playing at the top level.

England, who will be wearing their black change kit, are desperate for live action after weeks spent on the training ground. As a result, Johnson admits he has spent the pre-game period trying to stop his players getting over-excited. "Everyone is full of energy and ready to play so I've had to calm everybody, and myself, down a little bit," he admitted. "They know how to prepare for these games but they need game time."